By Peace Erewunmi

Presidential media aide Tope Ajayi has criticised Cardinal John Onaiyekan over his public comments about a recent meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), describing the cleric’s actions as an abuse of clerical privilege.

Ajayi argued that the meeting was held in confidence at the request of the Catholic bishops and that it was inappropriate for Cardinal Onaiyekan to publicly disclose his personal account of the discussions. According to him, private engagements of that nature should remain confidential and not be used to advance personal or political narratives.

The presidential aide also maintained that Cardinal Onaiyekan’s subsequent media interviews reflected his personal opinions rather than the collective position of the Catholic Church or Christians in Nigeria. He stressed that while religious leaders have the right to express their views, they should distinguish between personal commentary and official positions when addressing matters of governance.

Ajayi’s remarks came after Cardinal Onaiyekan disclosed that the bishops had raised concerns with President Tinubu on issues including the economy, insecurity and national governance during their meeting at the Presidential Villa. The cardinal also stated that the President openly disagreed with much of the bishops’ assessment of the country’s situation.

The exchange has generated widespread public debate, drawing mixed reactions from political observers, religious leaders and members of the public over the role of clerics in commenting on government affairs and the balance between confidentiality and public accountability.